Sir Lawrence Byford 1925-2018

We are saddened to report former ROSL Chairman Sir Lawrence Byford has passed away aged 92.

Serving as ROSL Chairman from 1989-1992, Sir Lawrence took up the role shortly after serving as the Chief Inspector of Constabulary from 1983-1987, where he famously published a report on the police investigation into Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe.

Published in 1982, the Byford Report highlighted major errors of judgement on the part of the police, which led to changes in the procedures used during investigations by police forces across the UK.

Before joining the police, West-Yorkshire born Byford had been a part of the Royal Signal's Special Communications Unit during the Second World War. In 1947, he joined West Riding Constabulary, where he eventually rose to Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

Following his retirement, he served as Chairman of ROSL for three years from 1989 to 1992, while also becoming the President of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club in 1991, serving until 1999. During this time he helped to end the club's policy of only hiring UK-born cricketers, paving the way for world-renowned Indian player Sachin Tendulkar to join the club in 1992.

Sir Lawrence passed away on Saturday 10 February 2018. The top image shows him sitting for artist Jane Walker, while the next image shows the completed portrait, which now hangs in Over-Seas House, London.

Are you a new member, or do you know anyone who might be interested in joining? If so, come along to our New Members' Reception on Thursday 4 October to find out more about everything that the Royal Over-Seas League has to offer.

2018 marks the 19th year ROSL has returned to Scotland for its annual award-winning series of concerts at the Fringe, but our connection to the Edinburgh International Festival actually goes back much further.